Breast cancer is a life-altering diagnosis that affects millions of women each year. While much attention is given to the direct impacts of treatment on breast tissue, it’s important to recognize that cancer treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapy can also have significant indirect effects on other areas of your body, including the pelvic floor. … Read More
After the whirlwind of appointments, scans, and treatments that come with a breast cancer diagnosis, many women are left wondering, “Now what?” as they transition into survivorship. Questions about diet, exercise, and lifestyle often arise during this time, and with so much information available, it can be challenging to know where to turn. Exercise is … Read More
There are many different types of breast cancer but one less common and less talked about is inflammatory breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is significantly more rare than other types and accounts for only about 1%-5% of all breast cancer diagnoses.1 It is caused by cancer cells interfering with the lymphatic vessels, causing an inflamed … Read More
Axillary web syndrome (AWS), also known as “cording”, is a condition that sometimes occurs after mastectomy or lymph node removal either by axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancer diagnosis or treatment. After these procedures, tender cords of tissue can sometimes be felt under the skin. They usually … Read More
When faced with a cancer diagnosis your first thought likely isn’t “how will my sexual health and intimacy be affected?”. Although this thought and consideration may not be a huge factor in your immediate steps through cancer treatment, it will almost certainly become a common focus later in treatment and even once your treatment is … Read More
Chemotherapy is a pharmaceutical treatment designed to kill cancer cells in the body. Over half of women diagnosed with breast cancer will receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment.1 Chemotherapy is usually given every 2 or 3 weeks for multiple cycles. There are many side effects that can occur during and after chemotherapy, including nausea, … Read More
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer, with approximately 50% of breast cancer patients receiving radiation at some point during their treatment.1 It is commonly done 5 days per week for 5-25 treatments total. The side effects and healing from radiation can be split into two phases: the acute phase and the long-term … Read More
We know that physiotherapy is prescribed after knee replacements and hip fracture surgery so why don’t we see prescriptions for more surgeries including plastic surgery? It is not a common thought to prescribe such therapies after a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or even liposuction but according to research, it should be! Any time the body … Read More
Most people diagnosed with breast cancer will have surgery, as it is considered the primary treatment. The type of surgery you may have depends on a variety of factors such as the size and location of the tumour, the stage of cancer, and the size of the breast. Surgery types can include lumpectomies, mastectomies, lymph … Read More
Lipedema is a condition characterized by the abnormal deposition of adipose tissue, typically in the hips, thighs and legs, but stopping before the feet. It can also appear in the upper arms. Lipedema can be very painful, and often leads to capillary fragility, making patients more prone to easy bruising. This condition is also unique … Read More